Japan Open: Vitidsarn Passes Stiff Opening Test
Returning to the circuit after a back muscle tear disrupted his last two tournaments, Kunlavut Vitidsarn survived a stiff opening test from Ayush Shetty at the DAIHATSU Japan Open 2026.
· DEV SUKUMAR
The No.2 seed had retired from his last two matches, at the Singapore Open and Indonesia Open, and said he was feeling much better, although he had yet to fully recover.
Against Shetty, who had beaten him during their last contest at the Badminton Asia Championships in April, Vitidsarn took his time to find the answers, before he eventually pulled away in the third game.
“Shetty was very good,” acknowledged Vitidsarn. “For me, I’m coming back after one month and I hope to try everything. Whoever put more pressure first can gain the advantage. I lost to him last time but I didn’t think about that. I just have to try everything before the World Championships.